The Honourable Iris Evans, Minister of Children's Services for Alberta, has stated that
"Alberta's children deserve to be cherished and cared for in quality childcare settings that
contribute to their social and personal development" (Government of Alberta, December
16, 2002). Fortunately, the majority of parents are raising their children in such
environments. However, there are families who pose a risk to the safety and security of
their children, and child protection services may be involved with these families. The
Alberta Response Model is based on the assumption that families who come to the
attention of the child protection system are currently handled in a manner that is intrusive
and stigmatizing. Instead of being a helpful and proactive service, child protection can
become detrimental and potentially harmful to the clientele it serves. The Alberta
Response Model is a new departure in child welfare practice and provides an alternative
approach. Each of the 18 regional Child and Family Service Authorities is to develop its
own initiatives incorporating the activities and philosophy of the Alberta Response
Model. In the southern Alberta region, Sun Country Child and Family Services provides
child protection services and has developed many innovative and creative projects to keep
children safe. This project examines the Alberta Response Model in four sections: the
historical context, current practice, Sun Country's response, and concerns and dilemmas.

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Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2003